My First Griddle Cleaning Disaster (Don’t Do What I Did)
(How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking)

The first time I cooked on my Blackstone, I was so pumped. Sizzling bacon, golden hash browns, eggs that looked straight out of a diner commercial…

Then came cleanup.

I sprayed cold water on the hot surface.
I used dish soap.
I even scrubbed with a metal scouring pad.

Result?
🔥 A sticky mess.
😖 Grease stains that wouldn’t budge.
💔 And after a few days… RUST.

That’s when I realized: cooking on a griddle is easy. Cleaning it wrong? Even easier.

So if you’re like me — someone who loves griddle meals but dreads the cleanup — let me show you how to clean your Blackstone griddle after cooking the right way.

Trust me, this process takes under 10 minutes, and it’ll save your griddle from rust, build-up, and damage.

.

---

💡 Why Cleaning After Cooking Matters So Much

If you leave stuck-on food or grease overnight, your griddle becomes a rust magnet.
Even worse, old burnt-on residue can mess with heat distribution the next time you cook.

Cleaning right after cooking =
✔️ Less elbow grease
✔️ Better cooking results
✔️ Longer griddle life

And no, you don’t need harsh soap or chemicals.
Just the right technique and a few smart tools.

Top 5 Recipes to Cook on a Blackstone Griddle (That’ll Wow Your Guests)

🧼 Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking

🔥 Step 1: Keep It Warm

Once you’re done cooking, leave the griddle on low heat. This makes cleanup much easier, as the grease and food haven’t hardened yet.

🪓 Step 2: Scrape It Down

Take your griddle scraper and push all the food scraps and grease toward the grease trap. Be gentle — you’re scraping, not digging.

🎯 Pro Tip: Always scrape in the direction of the grain (usually front to back) to protect the seasoning.

💦 Step 3: Use Water (But Be Smart About It)

Pour a little warm water while the griddle is still hot — it will create steam and lift the residue.
NEVER pour cold water on a hot griddle — it can warp the steel.

Then gently scrub using a griddle scouring pad.

🧻 Step 4: Wipe It Clean

Use paper towels or a lint-free cloth to absorb the moisture and remaining gunk.
Repeat until the surface looks clean and dry.

🧴 Step 5: Oil + Season Again

This is the most important step.

Add 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or flaxseed oil and rub it into the entire surface using a folded paper towel or cloth (use tongs to avoid burns).

Why? It keeps the surface non-stick and prevents rust.

---

❌ What NOT to Do When Cleaning Your Blackstone

Let me save you from my early mistakes:

• 🚫 Don’t use dish soap — it removes seasoning
• 🚫 Don’t use steel wool — it scratches and damages
• 🚫 Don’t leave water on the surface — it causes rust
• 🚫 Don’t skip the oil step — seasoning = protection

If your griddle does get rusty?
Don’t worry — I’ve covered that in a separate guide: “How to Remove Rust from Your Blackstone Griddle” (coming soon)

---

🧼 Deep Cleaning: Once a Week or After Messy Meals

If you cook fatty meats or sugary marinades, do a deeper clean using:

• A griddle cleaning stone for stuck-on carbon
• Warm water and a non-scratch pad
• Re-season thoroughly after

This resets your griddle without starting over completely.

🙌 Final Thoughts: Clean Griddle, Happy Cooking

Your Blackstone is more than a grill — it’s an investment in awesome food memories.

But those memories shouldn’t include burnt leftovers or rusty patches.

With just 5–10 minutes of post-cook care, you’ll keep your griddle looking brand new — and your food tasting 🔥 every time.

So the next time you finish flipping burgers or cooking up shrimp tacos, don’t walk away.

🔥 Scrape.
💧 Wipe.
🧴 Oil.
Done.

You’ll thank yourself next weekend when the surface is smooth, shiny, and ready for round two. 😄